Entertainment
2024 Grammy Nominations: Nigerian Artists Make History
Nigerian artists, Burna Boy, Olamide, and Ayra Starr achieved significant milestones after the 66th Grammy Awards nominations were revealed.
Burna Boy, with four nominations, now holds the record for the Nigerian artist with the most Grammy nominations. He has a total of 10 nominations already.
In another noteworthy feat, Burna Boy has secured the distinction of being the first Nigerian artist to receive Grammy nominations for five consecutive years (2019-2023).
Additionally, his track ‘Sittin’ On Top of The World’ is the pioneering African song nominated in the Rap category, specifically in the Best Melodic Rap Performance.
The track ‘Sittin’ On Top of The World’ by Burna Boy will compete for the honor alongside Doja Cat’s ‘Attention,’ Drake & 21 Savage’s ‘Spin Bout U,’ SZA’s ‘Low,’ and Lil Durk and J. Cole’s ‘All My Life.
In a groundbreaking achievement, Olamide has etched his name in history as the first Nigerian rapper to secure a Grammy nomination.
Olamide and Asake’s joint effort, ‘Amapiano,’ clinched a nomination in the newly established Best African Music Performance category at the 66th Grammys. The track faces competition from Davido’s ‘Unavailable,’ Ayra Starr’s ‘Rush,’ Burna Boy’s ‘City Boys,’ and Tyla’s ‘Water.’
Adding to the accolades, Ayra Starr, aged 21, has become the youngest Nigerian to secure a Grammy nomination.
Her chart-topping single ‘Rush’ is in the running for the inaugural Best African Music Performance award at the 66th Grammys.
The 2023 Awards at the Staples Center in Los Angeles ended in disappointment for Burna Boy, who left without a win.
Tems, with her contribution to ‘Wait for U’ by Future featuring Drake, claimed the ‘Best Melodic Rap Performance’ category.
Adding to the setbacks, Burna Boy missed out on two more awards. South Africa’s Wouter Kellerman, Zakes Bantwini & Nomcebo Zikode won the Best Global Music Performance, surpassing Burna Boy’s ‘Last Last.’
Furthermore, the Best Global Music Album award went to Japan’s Masa Takumi, leaving Burna Boy’s “Love Damini” unrewarded.
Controversial Nigerian singer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington or Akpi, has been released from Kuje Prison following a court directive.
Activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju disclosed this development on Tuesday, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “Speed Darlington is out of Kuje Prison.”
The singer’s release came after an Abuja court granted him bail. This decision followed intense public pressure on the Nigeria Police Force, which led to his arraignment.
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Prior to his release, Speed Darlington had petitioned Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Intelligence Bureau, DIG Dasuki Galadanchi, over his prolonged detention. He called on the DIG to comply with a court order directing his release or formal arraignment.
Justice M.S. Liman had earlier issued an order on December 23, 2024, mandating the police to charge the singer within 48 hours or release him unconditionally.
Speed Darlington’s arrest stemmed from allegations he made against Grammy Award-winning singer Burna Boy. The singer accused Burna Boy of being involved in an immoral relationship with embattled U.S. rapper and music executive Sean Combs, also known as P. Diddy.
The situation has sparked widespread discussions, with many Nigerians expressing relief at Speed Darlington’s freedom while others continue to debate the circumstances surrounding his arrest.
Veteran Nollywood actor, Dele Odule, has opened up about the most heartbreaking moment of his life, revealing it was when he lost his first child.
The 63-year-old Yoruba movie icon shared the emotional experience during an interview with his colleague, Kunle Afod, recounting how the loss deeply affected him, especially given the challenges surrounding the child’s birth.
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Odule described the tragic news as “very hard” to bear, adding that he has since come to accept it as the will of God. Despite the acceptance, the actor expressed his fervent hope never to endure such a devastating tragedy again.
He said, “The saddest moment of my life was when I was called that my first child died. It was very hard on me. It was hard because of the situation faced during the child’s birth, but no one can question God’s authority. It was so bad that I don’t pray for it anymore.”
Known for his roles in classic Yoruba films, Odule continues to share both his professional and personal experiences, endearing himself to fans and colleagues alike.
In early January 2025, Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Burna Boy fulfilled a promise by gifting $30,000 to Bethel Okechukwu, a phone repairer from Alaba Market who had claimed to be related to socialite Cubana Chief Priest.
This act of generosity occurred amid an ongoing feud between Burna Boy and the Cubana Chief Priest.
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Following the donation, Cubana Chief Priest clarified that Bethel Okechukwu is not his brother, stating, “I have only one biological big brother & two kid sisters. They ain’t doing so bad.” He emphasized that he is not obligated to support his siblings financially and urged the public to verify such claims.
As of now, there are no credible reports indicating that Burna Boy instructed Bethel Okechukwu to take any specific actions towards Cubana Chief Priest after receiving the $30,000. The narrative appears to be centered around Burna Boy’s charitable gesture and Cubana Chief Priest’s subsequent clarification regarding his familial relationships.
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